The Last Thing He Wanted

The Last Thing He Wanted

Year: 2020

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Director: Dee Rees

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

As a tenacious reporter, she's driven by her pursuit of truth. But when she assists her father in brokering a clandestine arms deal, she unwittingly entangles herself in a web of deceit and danger. The lines between journalist and pawn blur, threatening to upend everything she holds dear.

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Timeline & Setting – The Last Thing He Wanted (2020)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Last Thing He Wanted (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

Set in the early to mid-1980s, the film addresses the complex political landscape of Central America during this period. The era was marked by U.S. intervention in regional conflicts and covert operations, exemplified by the Iran-Contra Affair. Elena's story is deeply intertwined with pivotal events, reflecting the geopolitical tensions and ethical dilemmas that characterized the decade.

Location

El Salvador, Nicaragua, Florida, Houston, Costa Rica

The movie primarily takes place in Central America, particularly El Salvador and Nicaragua, during a tumultuous civil war period. El Salvador is known for its political unrest and the exploitation of foreign influences, while Nicaragua becomes a focal point for U.S. governmental affairs. Other key locations include Florida, where family ties and personal struggles unfold, Houston, offering insights into U.S. military dealings, and Costa Rica, where the arms trafficking plot thickens.

🌎 Locations 📍 Geopolitics

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:12

Main Characters – The Last Thing He Wanted (2020)
Meet the key characters of The Last Thing He Wanted (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Elena McMahon

Elena is a determined journalist who evolves from covering political unrest to becoming embroiled in her father's dangerous world of arms trafficking. Her tenacity is highlighted in her quest for truth, even as she grapples with familial obligations and moral dilemmas. Elena embodies resilience and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

🗞️ Journalist 👩‍👧 Daughter 💪 Resilient

Dick McMahon

Dick is Elena's estranged father, portrayed as a flawed man struggling with dementia and illicit dealings. His character adds complexity to the story, illustrating the personal costs of conflict and the weight of familial ties. His relationships with Elena highlight themes of loyalty, regret, and the burdens of the past.

👴 Father 😔 Estranged 🔥 Complicated

Treat Morrison

Treat serves as a pivotal character whose ambiguous motives intertwine with Elena's journey. Initially presented as an adversarial figure, he evolves into an unexpected ally, revealing deeper connections and hidden agendas. His character challenges Elena's perceptions and underscores the complexities of trust and betrayal.

🤝 Ally 🎭 Ambiguous 🌍 Influencer

Alma Guerrero

Alma stands as a strong supportive friend to Elena, helping ensure her story is told even after her tragic end. Her character embodies the spirit of resilience and camaraderie amidst adversity, emphasizing the importance of friendship in challenging times.

👩‍❤️‍👩 Friend 💪 Supportive 📢 Voice of Truth

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:12

Major Themes – The Last Thing He Wanted (2020)
Explore the central themes of The Last Thing He Wanted (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

📰 Investigative Journalism

The film explores the theme of investigative journalism through Elena's relentless pursuit of truth amidst political chaos. Her journey highlights the challenges journalists face when tackling powerful entities and uncovering uncomfortable realities. The narrative emphasizes the role of media in holding governments accountable and the personal risks involved in revealing the truth.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme in Elena's story as she navigates complex relationships and hidden motives. Her encounters with family, colleagues, and those in power reveal layers of deceit that shape her journey. This theme culminates in a shocking betrayal that questions loyalty and personal sacrifice in the pursuit of justice.

⚔️ Conflict

The backdrop of civil war and arms trafficking illustrates the theme of conflict, both externally in global geopolitics and internally within Elena herself. The clash between personal desires and ethical responsibilities creates tension throughout her story. This theme underscores the harsh realities of survival in a world driven by power struggles and moral ambiguity.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:12

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